On Tuesday 29th July we had the welcome addition of a visitor to Rye at our weekly meeting. Below is the lovely message from Audrey and David saying how much they enjoyed us and hopefully Rye.

“My partner David and I were on holiday in Rye just recently , we noticed a poster advertising an ‘open garden ‘ with various bands playing all day, as we are both keen on music ( we sing in a 120 strong choir here in Egham ). We went along to the garden to relax in the sunshine and listen to the music , we were impressed with Rye ukulele experiment ! And you all seemed to love what you were doing ! It was a joy to listen and sing along with you guys . someone mentioned that you got together in the queens head on Tuesday evenings , so on Tuesday off we went to the pub ( with David hoping he would be allowed a little ‘strum ‘ ) well he certainly was ,and it made his day !! We really enjoyed the evening well done Rye ukulele experiment , may you go from strength to strength, and we hope to see you again sometime ! Best wishes Audrey & David”

It is our pleasure to welcome visitors and new members any Tuesday. We don’t teach but use “immersive learning”, as Ian so beautifully put it. We can usually lend a uke or two to anyone who would just ‘like to have a go’.

This week we were delighted to welcome Brian, Jon and Ken along for a strum. Hopefully new members for the Experiment?

There’s a busy weekend ahead for the Experiment. Saturday from 12.30ish we will be performing in the beautiful gardens at Little Orchard House in West Street, Rye and on Sunday you can find us at Fair Fest. Playing at the Fairlight Recreation Ground in Commanders Walk from around 3.30pm. Come along and enjoy the sunshine and the ukes.

The weather was hot but the music hotter at today’s seminar on music for wellbeing and health, held in Rye Studio School. Nearly the full Rye Ukulele Experiment contingent turned out to entertain the lunchtime audience.

Here are our plans for tomorrow lunch time. The Rye Ukulele Experiment will be playing from 12.30pm for 30 mins to support the seminar and help lunch along its way.

Music for Wellbeing and Health – 19 July 2014

The Music Well in association with the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University is hosting a day-long seminar looking at the ways in which music can support health and wellbeing. With an introduction to Rye’s music service, the day will also offer insights into different aspects of music and health including work with children, music therapy in hospice settings and the ways in which singing can support people with respiratory illness and Parkinson’s. The event will take place at Rye Studio School, Rye, East Sussex on Saturday 19 July, 11am-3pm. Attendance requires a £10 contribution including lunch and refreshments.

Ian prepares to blow out the candles on the chocolate Cakelele at our second birthday party, at the Queens Head Landgate, overseen by Ali and Rose. The fantastic uke cake was made by Justine, who turns out to be a multi-talented member. Thanks Justine.

Watch out for the Rye Ukulele Experiment who will be performing in the beautiful garden (weather permitting) of 11 The High Street, Rye - this Saturday the 5th July from 12.30pm. This performance is to support the Sue Ryder Fete.